Head Gardener

Job Summary

Stamford School's gardens are integral to the school's identity, enhancing the experience for pupils, parents, staff, and visitors. The Head Gardener supports the Head of Grounds and Gardens by managing the day-to-day operations and ensuring the gardens meet high standards.

About the Role

The Head Gardener plays a crucial role in maintaining and developing the school's gardens, aligning with the schools' landscaping and kerb appeal plans. They are responsible for leading a team of gardeners and volunteers, managing resources, and implementing sustainable practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term landscaping, planting, and maintenance strategies.
• Lead and motivate a team of gardeners and volunteers to maintain gardens and grounds to the highest standard.
• Effectively allocate tasks, monitor performance, and identify development opportunities for the gardeners.
• Audit resources, review workload, and prepare detailed seasonal work schedules.
• Maintain footpaths, tracks, and fences in a safe and healthy condition.
• Manage the environmental impact of the gardens, including energy and chemical usage.
• Design, plan, and implement planting and landscaping schemes, including liaising with contractors and consultants.
• Ensure all borders, lawns, hedges, and ornamental features are kept to a high standard throughout the year.
• Manage the inventory of tools and equipment, ensuring they are in good condition and replacements are ordered as needed.
• Collaborate with other departments for events and presentations, including public and community engagement events.
• Participate in public and community engagement events, such as Stamford in Bloom.

Requirements

• Level 3 or above RHS horticultural qualification and/or equivalent.
• Experience as a Head Gardener within a similar size landscape, ideally within an historic or educational setting.
• Strong knowledge and vision of horticulture.
• Leadership experience, with the ability to motivate and develop a team.
• Strong organizational skills, able to plan seasonal work schedules.
• Up-to-date knowledge of Health and Safety and COSHH regulations.
• Experience of writing and reviewing risk assessments and assessments.
• IT literate, MS365, and able to manage budgets.
• Experience managing teams and volunteers.
• Good communication skills, including presenting to the public, parents, and Governors.
• Adaptable to different working conditions.
• Understanding of the community and its importance.

Benefits

The position offers a competitive salary of £33,000 per annum, full-time hours, and the opportunity to work on-site at Stamford School.

Pay

£33,000 per annum

Schedule

Full Time